Baltimore, Maryland is well known for the scenic views around the inner harbor and historic sites, but it is also well known for its mouth-watering food. If you take a further look into what Baltimore offers in terms of cuisine, you will find plenty of street vendors, parks, and food trucks selling unique and flavor packed dishes. Food enthusiasts will never be disappointed while exploring Baltimore as it has an exceptional culinary scene.
Baltimore street food definitely offers a hearty twist on cuisine staples and its bag packed with soul. It is no secret that Baltimore is famous for its seafood joints, however the street food scene tends to get overlooked. The diversity among the residents can be felt in every corner, whether you are taking a trip to Fell’s Point or strolling around during a community festival.
What Makes Baltimore Street Food Famous
Being located next to Chesapeake Bay has its advantages such as blue crab, oysters, and fish that can be found in abundance. We can say that Baltimore has plenty of seafood. Founded by Irish, Polish, Germans, and Africans, the culture of Baltimore is mixed which makes it special.
Baltimore is home to food trucks, corner shops, and market stalls offering uniquely rich meals. The streets of Baltimore cater to everyone: from seafood classics to soul food staples. While private chefs in Baltimore craft gourmet meals behind closed doors, the streets offer food that is inexpensive, unforgettable, and unpretentious.
Famous Baltimore Street Foods You Can’t Miss
Crab Cakes
Let’s not forget Baltimore’s crowning glory. Crab cakes are Baltimore’s signature dish, synonymous with the city. Locals swear by them, and visitors crave them. These crab cakes are filled with lump crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, saltines or fries, and are extremely difficult to surpass.
High-end eateries may not have the best crab cakes. Rather, they can be found at markets and pop-up shops. Lexington Market is well known to people around Baltimore who love crab cakes because vendors fry them fresh and juicy right there!
Pit Beef Sandwiches
Speaking of Baltimore, we cannot forget BBQ, or pit beef as the locals say. This charcoal grilled beef served on a Kaiser roll is a must try for anyone trying street food! With rib-eye roast and horseradish sauce to top it off, you have yourself a slice of Baltimore heaven.
You’ll surely get captivated by the mouthwatering scent of pit beef cooking over open flames, especially on food trucks and roadside stands along Route 40. It is smoky, tender, and just the right amount messy.
Berger Cookies
Pertaining to sweets, Baltimore Berger Cookies are a dessert connoisseur’s paradise. They are soft, fluffy cakey cookies covered with a generous amount of chocolate fudge. Berger Cookies are more than a snack; they are part of the city’s identity.
These cookies can be found in bakeries, corner stores, and vendor stalls throughout Baltimore. It is of no surprise that people have relished these cookies for over a century, and that all makes sense after a single bite.
Fried Lake Trout
Despite the name, Baltimore-style fried lake trout isn’t lake trout; it is deep-fried whiting or some other white fish coated in batter until crispy. Served alongside plain white bread and hot sauce, this dish is deceptively simple.
Popular at carryout and food trucks, this comfort food is cheap, filling, and loved by the locals.
Chicken Box with Western Fries
This combination is classic Baltimore. The “chicken box” consists of fried chicken and thick-cut Western fries. This no-frills street food is best enjoyed in its most basic form, “Westernized”. The fries are usually seasoned with Old Bay, a trademark local flavor.
Coddies
Baltimore’s Coddies portray an enduring craftsmanship in the form of cod fish cakes mixed with mashed potatoes and fried to perfection. They derive their roots from Baltimore’s history and are served with mustard and crackers which add to their nostalgic taste. They may not be as accessible as before but are still available in some specialty stores.
When I tasted Coddies for the first time, I was struck with a wave of comfort. I knew I had stumbled across some culinary delicacies from the past.
Snowballs
Snowballs, unlike the run of the mill snow cones, have made their mark as a delicacy of Baltimore. They are a must for summer and come in flavors such as cherry and egg custard. Furthermore, they are coated with a sugary fluff which adds to their charm.
As the temperature rises, snowball stands emerge throughout the city offering a taste of Baltimore delicacies. Instead of quenched thirst, they bring the perfect balance of sweet, refreshing, and cooling all while making a name in Baltimore’s rich culture.
Bonus: Baltimore Street Food Festivals & Events
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the street food culture of Baltimore, then one of the many festivals in the area is a must-visit. The Seafood Festival is literally heaven on Earth for crab lovers and showcases what food is Baltimore known for, while dumplings, bao buns, and noodles are served alongside live performances at the Charm City Night Market to commemorate Baltimore’s Asian-American history.
They are also hosts to food truck festivals where you can find pit beef sandwiches and tacos served everywhere, allowing you to taste the myriads of flavors the city has to offer in one location.
Tips for Enjoying Baltimore Street Food
If you want to blend in with the locals, put on your best Baltimore accent and head over to Hampden, Federal Hill or Fells Point. These neighborhoods are home to food stalls run by street vendors. Street food gems can be found in the Lexington and Cross Street Markets as well.
Try to broaden your culinary horizon and sample the lesser-known offerings. Much like the city itself, Baltimore has a street food scene that is multi-layered.